When it comes to minimizing negative effects on hardwood floors, your air conditioning system can be an important ally. Wood is a natural living material that interacts with environmental conditions. This fact extends to the relationship between wooden floors and conditions inside your home, as well— specifically indoor humidity.
Here’s how humidity exerts effects on hardwood floors and how your A/C can help maintain the aesthetics and durability of this natural material.
Humidity vs. Hardwood
Because hardwood floors react to humidity, water vapor content in indoor air matters. When humidity levels in the house are frequently above 50% or below 30%, wood reacts in certain ways that aren’t conducive to the appearance or function of the floor.
High Humidity
In conditions of high humidity, wood absorbs dampness and expands. The flat, smooth appearance of the floor may be distorted as adjacent boards swell against each other and cupping or buckling occurs. The indoor evaporator coil incoporated in a central air conditioner removes water vapor to make cooling more effective and efficient. To optimize this important function:
- Ensure that the A/C is operating up to manufacturer’s specifications, including humidity extraction, by scheduling an annual tune-up by a qualified HVAC service provider.
- Replace the A/C air filter monthly during the cooling season to support effective humidity control in the air conditioning process.
Low Humidity
Humidity below 30% can cause dimensional shrinkage in hardwood floors. As wood shrinks, gaps may appear between adjoining boards and at the ends of boards. Also, dry wood is less sturdy and may split or splinter more easily. Your HVAC system can also help supplement humidity when levels are too low.
- Indoor humidity can be maintained during dry conditions by utilizing a whole-house humidifier. Installed inside the HVAC system ductwork, the unit automatically adds water vapor to system airflow to meet desired humidity settings.
- As an alternative, individual room humidifiers can be placed in rooms where hardwood flooring is installed.
For professional advice and service since 1922, Terre Haute homeowners have turned to Paitson Bros. Ask us for more information about HVAC effects on hardwood floors.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922